What types of gutters are right for your facility?
Every facility needs a high-quality rain and gutter system. There are many gutter types out there on the market and it can be an overwhelming decision when it comes to choosing the right one for your place of business. Here is our list of recommendations that can be installed by the team at Mathiou Services.
Material:
- Aluminium: Lightweight, won’t rust, continuous gutter options
- Colorbond Steel: Strong, resists rusts but can be subject to after 5-10 years, can be painted.
- Plastic: Lightweight and easy to work with.
- Vinyl: Lightweight and inexpensive, may crack in severe cold.
- Copper: Durable, won’t rust, no need to paint.
- Cast Iron: Traditional and hardwearing, but is very heavy.
Climate: Consider your facility’s location and the local climate. If you experience heavy rainfall or snow, you’ll need gutters that can handle larger water volumes and potential ice build up. In areas with intense sunlight, choose materials that can withstand UV exposure.
Size and Capacity: Gutters come in different sizes and profiles, which affect their capacity to handle water flow. Choose gutter sizes that match your facility’s roof area and rainfall patterns. Oversized gutters can handle more water, reducing the risk of overflow.
Downspouts: Downspouts are crucial for directing water away from your building’s foundation. Ensure you have enough downspouts to handle the expected water flow. Consider downspout size and placement to prevent water accumulation near your facility.
Aesthetics: Gutters contribute to your facility’s overall appearance. Choose gutter styles and colours that complement your building’s design and aesthetics.
Maintenance: Some gutter materials and designs require more maintenance than others. Consider how easy it is to clean and maintain your chosen gutter system to prevent clogs and ensure proper water flow.
Budget: Your budget will play a role in the type of gutter system you choose. While more durable and premium materials like copper may have higher upfront costs, they can offer long-term benefits in terms of longevity and aesthetics.
Installation: Proper gutter installation is crucial for effective gutter performance. Hire experienced professionals who can install the gutter types correctly and ensure they are sloped appropriately for water drainage.
Leaf Guards and Accessories: Consider adding leaf guards or gutter covers to prevent debris from clogging your gutters. Gutter accessories like splash blocks and extensions can also help direct water away from your building’s foundation.
Local Regulations: Check with local building codes and regulations regarding gutter installation requirements in your area.
Warranty: Different gutter manufacturers offer varying warranties on their products. Review warranty information to understand what is covered and for how long.
Ultimately, the right gutters for your facility will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Consulting with professionals who specialise in commercial gutter installation can provide valuable insights and help you select the best gutter system for your facility.
Now that you have a material in mind there is also the element of design and what each one does.
There are many styles of gutters but the most common ones are:
- K Style Gutters: They have flat bottoms and backs on them, usually with a decorative front shape, these are most popular due to their decorative crown moulding appearance.
- Fascia Gutters: Usually used when buildings don’t have fascia boards over the rafter tails and perform the function of one.
- Half Round Gutters: A half round circle with the open half facing the roof, due to their shape they often hold a lot of debris.
- European Gutters: These are made from natural weathering metals and are distinguished by their gutter bead that faces the outside versus the inside, usually are half round gutter style.
Plus, gutter guard to protect:
- Downpipes and stormwater lines
- Waterways
Roof inspection to inspect:
- Condition and performance and rainwater gutter system
With all of this in mind it can still be hard to know which gutter style and material would benefit your centre, but with a quick visit from one of our specialists we can easily recommend the most suited gutter for your centre.
Contact us on 1300 363 423 for more information or to schedule an appointment for gutter maintenance, gutter installation and which types of gutters are best suited for your commercial space.